MONTE VISTA - On May 23, “Pomp and Circumstance” was heard through the Monte Vista High School gymnasium. Approximately 500 people stood as Monte Vista’s graduating seniors took their final walk as students before graduating.  

The National Anthem was played by the Monte Vista High School Band, and a warm welcome was given by MVHS Principal Jose Ortega. 

Senior Class President Sasha Dupont then addressed the students, “Good evening, family, staff, and my fellow classmates. I feel so excited yet so sad, to be here speaking to you all. Sad because I know this will be the last time, we will all be sitting at the same place at the same time. I think I can speak for a lot of us when I say we weren’t expecting this day to come so soon. It feels like just yesterday when we were little freshman coming into high school, wide eyed and unsure not knowing who we would become. Today marks a significant milestone in our lives.”  

Dupont said they would all be moving on to the next chapter of their lives. “Whether you are headed to college, the military, a trade school, or college, remember this, the world doesn’t need perfect people, it needs real people. People who care, who try, who fail, and then try again.” 

Dupont said high school wasn’t just about textbooks and GPAs; it was about learning who they were. She said from late night phone calls, to school dances, to helping each other with homework, they discovered their voices, their passions, and most importantly the power they have to shape their futures. 

Dupont said that as a senior class they have been through so much, including a worldwide pandemic during their middle school years, and heartbreaking losses that they all suffered together, yet they all came out on the brighter side together. “We pushed through the hard moments and held onto each other when we needed to. Remember not to take the good memories for granted, because in the blink of an eye, it will all be over. I will forever be grateful to be surrounded by such amazing people for the past 13 years. The wait is finally over, congratulations class of 2025”  

Soon-to-be high school graduates, Brianna Perez, and Daylin Castro then addressed their classmates and the audience. One spoke in English and said, “For the class of 2025, this moment marks the end of one journey and the beginning of another. Before we step forward into the future, let’s take a moment to appreciate everything that has brought us here today. Monte Vista has been more than just a place where we took tests, stressed over projects, or counted down the days of summer, for me and for many of us, it’s been home.” 

The girls said they have realized that school isn’t just about what they learn in textbooks, it’s about the people, the lessons, and the experiences that shape everyone. “Through all of it we made it together. We have leaned on each other, lifted each other and learned that no obstacle was too big for the class of 2025. We didn’t get here alone, I want to take a moment to thank the people who have supported us unconditionally, parents and families. To our teachers and mentors, thank you for guiding us, for pushing us to be better, and for showing us that learning goes beyond the classroom. To my fellow graduates, we did it, this journey hasn’t always been easy, but it has been worth it. As we turn the page of this next chapter, let’s do it with excitement, with hope and with the knowledge that this is only the beginning. Congratulations class of 2025, our journey starts now.”  

The speech was then given in Spanish. 

A special tribute was then given to staff and parents by Allessah Archuleta and Presley Lozoya. Students presented flowers, including white roses, to their parents and other special people in their lives.  

There was a presentation of honor cords for students graduating with honors, and the Melinda Pinkerton award was presented to Daylin Castrol Angulo. 

Melinda Pinkerton passed away April 7, 2016, from Neurofibromatosis Type 2. Despite her struggles with her illness, according to her sister Megan Slifer, who gave out the award, she lived her life to the fullest and always carried hope and was very brave.  Slifer said the award was being presented to a student who also showed bravery.  

The Monte Vista School District Board of Education and Principal Ortega then presented everyone with their diplomas. Each student walked up proudly and took their diplomas, while hugging teachers, board members, and smiling at family members with their diplomas held up high for pictures.  

The ceremony ended with the turning of the tassel given by Dupont, “We have now received diplomas certifying our graduation from high school. To complete our graduation ceremony there is one thing left to do, as graduates we are now able to wear our tassels on our left side instead of the right. Seniors move your tassels from the right to the left.”